Hello, I'm Mark.
For me, design principles are tools we can use when we create with flowers, to make the most of their inherent beauty.
"Flowers remind me that life is short and that beauty is something that can only be appreciated for a short time - so you need to harness that beauty and appreciate it while you have it in your hand."
What I love most about teaching floral design is seeing the growth in confidence and satisfaction that students gain as they master the elements and principles - as well as the learnings that we share from our own and each others’ work along the way.
Of the many designs I posted online in 2023, seven of the top nine most popular were by participants in these courses.
Top row - Trish Nishikawa, Laura Leong, Mark Pampling
Middle row - Duc Thuan Bui, Annita Bokobli, Sheryl Watkins
Bottom row - Sharon Macdonald, Mark Pampling, Duc Thuan Bui
I have a special interest in floral competitions as I believe they are a tremendous tool for progressing one’s skills in floral design, interpretation and craftsmanship.
They are a great way to stretch your imagination, skills and self belief - prizes which are always worth the effort, no matter the actual placing.
Some of my Judging and Competing Experience
2019 Beijing World Flower Art Contest – 1st Place
2015 Interflora World Cup, Berlin – Judge
2014 Fusion Flowers International Designer of the Year – 1st Place
9th China International Orchid Show (Sanya) – Best Creative Award
2014 International Flower Contest Japan – Best in Show, Gold Award and Design Innovation Award
Asia Cup 2014 (Japan) – 1st Place – Surprise Table Display
2013 Fusion Flowers International Designer of the Year – 2 Silver Awards & 1 Bronze Award
2012 Fusion Flowers International Designer of the Year – 4th Place
2012 Interflora Australia Cup – Winner
2011 Interflora Australia Cup – Winner
Australian Competitor 10th Interflora World Cup 2004 – 3rd Place
Design - Mark Pampling
Photography - Courtesy of Cohim
I teach floral design mostly through online courses, workshops and demonstrations, with occasional in-person workshops by arrangement.
Through Flower Thinking, I also offer bespoke training packages for floral art, design and floristry clubs and associations - large and small - delivered in your time zone.
Over the last twenty five years, it has been my privilege to assist many creatives - floral artists, designers, teachers and students - in their design journey.
Designs - Mark Pampling
Photography - Mark Pampling
I invite you to share their experiences, in the reviews below, and browse my course offerings and ebooks.
Or contact me if you’d like to chat about how I can help you or your floral group with bespoke education packages.
Let customers speak for us
from 76 reviewsThe intriguing theme,"Uncommon threads", captured my attention and thinking. I initially thought this short course,"Designing to win", would be too challenging. I found that it was actually comprehensive, well organized and structured, and rewarding eventually. This course was about understanding the rules and schedule of a competition. It was about learning how to evaluate one's design for a competition against an essential list of marking criteria for judging. Mark conducted two virtual discussion forums fluently, meticulously and constructively by giving clear analysis with concise explanations. He posed questions and made suggestions on each participant's design in #1 submission. The task of improving/adjusting/changing in order to achieve a better outcome became the necessary challenge for #2 submission.
The learnings from all the other submissions was just as important as those of mine. After having completed this course, I gained a better understanding of the entire process of designing to win and the crucial decision making that hinged on the points/marks for judging. The "wow factor" which can contribute to winning can be achieved by more critical evaluation of a design. Learning to be a better designer is always my aim in participating in Mark's courses. I truly felt that I achieved it and it was a likely "win" for me. The instructional eBooks and video tutorials on competitions were valuable bonuses given after completion of the course.
Thank you, Mark, for this great opportunity to learn from you.
One Container, Five Elements expanded my design processes and choices. Analysing the container and looking for a link to each of the five elements. Focusing on one element was a disciplined journey, one that became more complex the further I travelled along the path, albeit a rewarding journey. On reflection it allowed me to consider my choices and to give each element of design a voice in my arrangements. I likened it to a choir where one voice may lead but if the supporting harmonies are not in pitch the whole auditory experience is not quite right. I found myself falling to my favourite elements and constantly self-evaluating to see what was often needed, often editing rather than adding. During the group feedback sessions, I gained new eyes not only on my own work but that of my peers. Such a rewarding experience.
Each task or assignment for this course pushes you to think more about placement of components in order to ensure that the elements and principles of design are used to create a harmonious result. Mark encourages creativity by providing examples before leaving you to work in your own way, this is incredibly stimulating. All feedback provided is done in a positive way which encourages you to assess your own work better each time - however I still manage to repeat some of the same faults over and again ;) so plenty more to learn.
I really enjoyed the course and particularly found the critique process really helpful, as Mark carefully explained what worked well with the designs we had each produced and how they could potentially be improved further. At each stage, Mark explained how the design principles applied and helped me to develop my understanding of contemporary work.
Yet another amazing floral learning opportunity by our incredible Mark Pampling and Flower Thinking. The experience of learning is outstanding with endless learning opportunities. This is not simply an online course, it is an interactive extremely detailed, deep learning opportunity. Thank you Flower Thinking - My designs from the course are pictured below. So much learning and adaptation creates a new awareness and thought process in design which I truly enjoyed.
Festive Thinking allowed me to expand my creativity. Mark’s ebooks and video explanations were clear and provided examples of the task. I throughly enjoyed creating with the sickles and the online forum. Mark expert advice and suggestions gives insights into the designer’s arrangements. This allows for self improvement and reflection on my own creation. A wonderful experience I look forward to the next Flower Thinking offering.
Courses
-
Sold out
Design Directions Online Course
Regular price $670.00 AUDRegular priceUnit price / perSold out -
Advanced Directions Online Course
Regular price $590.00 AUDRegular priceUnit price / per -
Sold out
Design Solutions Online Course
Regular price $485.00 AUDRegular priceUnit price / perSold out -
Designing to Win (Audience)
Regular price $74.00 AUDRegular priceUnit price / per -
Festive Thinking (Audience)
Regular price $35.00 AUDRegular priceUnit price / per -
Designing to Win (Designer)
Regular price $134.00 AUDRegular priceUnit price / per -
Sold out
Festive Thinking (Designer)
Regular price $85.00 AUDRegular priceUnit price / perSold out -
One Container Five Elements Online Course
Regular price $590.00 AUDRegular priceUnit price / perSold out
ebooks
Find affordable floral design inspiration, instruction and expertise in our range of eBooks by Mark Pampling.
-
Building Confidence - Simplifying a Floral Structure
Regular price $13.95 AUDRegular priceUnit price / per -
Designing to Win: Floral Competition Essentials
Regular price $29.95 AUDRegular priceUnit price / per -
Designing to Win: Applied Interpretation: Glass & Grass
Regular price $29.95 AUDRegular priceUnit price / per -
Designing to Win: Applied Interpretation: Uncommon Threads (Not sold separately)
Regular price $29.95 AUDRegular priceUnit price / per -
Designing to Win: Competition Learnings: Uncommon Threads (Not sold separately)
Regular price $29.95 AUDRegular priceUnit price / perSold out -
Designing to Win: Competition Learnings: Glass & Grass (Not sold separately)
Regular price $29.95 AUDRegular priceUnit price / perSold out